An early start at Ardmore Bay found the tide well out, the sea choppy and a low sun all making viewing dificult. As a result, only five Slavonian Grebes could be found. These were accompanied by a good selection of wildfowl including Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Goldeneye, Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Shelduck (but unfortunately no Long-tailed Ducks or Pintails). Greenfinches were numerous and breaking into song. Other species singing included Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Woodpigeon, Starling and Chaffinch (the latter, my first of the spring). Snowdrops were flowering on short grass near the northernmost point.
Over at Jamestown, four drake and two duck Mandarins showed themselves in a hidden corner. It is amazing how elusive this species can be. Other birds in the area included Grey Wagtail and Goosander. The total species count for the day was: Shelduck, Mandarin Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Eider, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Pheasant, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Slavonian Grebe, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Black Guillemot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull. Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Rock Pipit. Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinch (48 species).